Coleosoma octomaculatum (Bösenberg & Strand, 1906) (Araneae: Theridiidae): redescription, first records from New Zealand and notes on the genus Coleosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1882

ABSTRACTColeosoma octomaculatum (Bosenberg & Strand, 1906), previously known only from South East Asia, is recorded from New Zealand for the first time. The numerous specimen records between 1996 and 2007 suggest it is established. This species is probably an anthropogenic introduction and represents the first reported colonisation outside of its known range. We reverse the recent transfer to Chrysso O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1882 and suggest two possible species groups within the genus Coleosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1882. A redescription including measurements and genitalic photographs is provided. We also report habitat preferences and egg clutch data for this species.